We are looking for

We are looking for a PhD student who will develop and apply advanced high-resolution NMR/MRI techniques to study micron-scale confined flow in complex fluids.

We invite applications for a 4-years PhD position based at the Laboratory of Biophysics, in collaboration with the Laboratory of Physical Chemistry and Soft Matter, at Wageningen University, The Netherlands. The position is available from March 2019, but later starting dates are also possible.

The goal of this challenging PhD project is to develop new non-invasive high-resolution NMR/MRI measurement techniques, and related modelling approaches, for understanding the complex rheological flow behaviour of emulsions, colloidal dispersions and polymers in sub-mm confined geometries. To this goal, novel custom-built narrow-gap rheo-NMR cells and microcapillary channels will be developed during the project, and tested in NMR spectrometers with magnetic field strengths of 300, 600 and 950 MHz. The gain in both signal-to-noise ratio and chemical resolution when going to high magnetic fields will be exploited for achieving higher MRI spatial resolution and for elucidating the physico-chemical origin of important phenomena such as wall-slip, depletion, “non-local” effects, as well as shear-induced particle anisotropy, that all alter significantly the flow properties measured under strong confinement.

This project follows-up on highly successful research lines that were established over the last years at WUR in the field of rheo-MRI and classical rheology applied to soft matter and food science. The candidate will benefit from secondments at leading academic and industrial groups.

We ask

Applicants should have a MSc degree in experimental/applied physics, chemistry, material science, chemical engineering or a related discipline. Research experience is required, preferably in NMR spectroscopy or imaging. A good command of the English language is essential.

You are eligible for the position if you finished your MSc degree (or equivalent) less than four years before the date of appointment. Researchers can be nationals of any country.

We offer

We offer you a temporary position for a period of 1.5 years with extension of 2.5 years after successful evaluation. Gross salary per month € 2266,-. in the first year rising up to € 2897,-. per month in the fourth year. We not only offer a competitive salary but also good (study) leave and a pension of the ABP Pension Fund.

The program also includes:• A thorough training in NMR/MRI methodologies, as well as in complementary engineering and analytical skills, relevant to the project.• A strongly interdisciplinary training in the materials science aspects of soft matter, ranging from polymer theory to rheology modelling and experimentation• A complete range of professional development courses, including presentation training and time management, is available through enrolment in graduate school VLAG.• Short-term stays in partner laboratories (secondments).

More information

For more information about this position please contact: Dr. C. Terenzi, camilla.terenzi@wur.nl and tel. (+31)618999537, or Dr. J.A. Dijksman, joshua.dijksman@wur.nl and tel. (+31)317482094.For more information about the contractual aspects, please contact Joes van Meurs, HR advisor, telephone number +31 317480101.

Interested?You can apply online at http://www.wur.nl/en/Jobs/Vacancies.htm until 31st of December 2018.Please provide your CV, a motivation letter outlining why you are suitable for the position, contact information of two referees, and a list of grades of your Master’s studies.

We are

The Laboratory of Biophysics (www.bip.wur.nl/UK/) is an international research group with leading expertise in the development and application of spectroscopic and imaging techniques relevant to bio-/soft-matter science, and it provides access to advanced state-of-the-art NMR/MRI spectroscopy equipment at the MAGNEFY NMR research facility (https://www.wur.nl/en/Value-Creation-Cooperation/Facilities/MAGNEtic-resonance-research-FacilitY.htm). The Laboratory of Physical Chemistry and Soft Matter is an international research group that works on Soft Matter in the broadest sense of the word, combining experiment and theory, chemistry and physics and fundamental and applied science. The laboratory has a large range of state-of-the-art equipment. See www.pcc.wur.nl/UK/ .

The Agrotechnology & Food Sciences Group is part of Wageningen University & Research, an organisation that brings together fundamental and applied scientific research. We work on creating ‘healthy food in a biobased society’ with private sector companies, research institutes and government agencies in the Netherlands and abroad. Our innovations play a crucial role in solving the major issues which affect society today. Entrepreneurship and professionalism are key in all that we do. In short, we are a major international employer offering considerable potential for your career.

Wageningen University & ResearchDelivering a substantial contribution to the quality of life. That's our focus – each and every day. Within our domain of good and safe food & food production, food security and a healthy living environment, we search for answers to issues affecting society – such as sustainable food production, climate change and alternative energy. Of course, we don’t do this alone. Every day, 5000 people work on ‘the quality of life’, turning ideas into reality, on a global scale.